pilferage

[ pil-fer-ij ]

noun

1. the act or practice of pilfering; petty theft.
2. something that is pilfered.

pilferage

/ ˈpɪlfərɪdʒ /

noun

1. the act or practice of stealing small quantities or articles
2. the amount so stolen

Word History and Origins

Origin of pilferage¹

First recorded in 1620–30; pilfer + -age

Example Sentences

“Shrink” encompasses internal theft — pilferage or embezzlement by employees — as well as what retailers call process and control failures, such as paperwork glitches and other mixups that result in their losing track of inventory; and external theft, such as individual shoplifting and those mass invasions of shops by gangs.

From Los Angeles Times

Then there’s internal theft — pilferage or embezzlement by employees.

From Los Angeles Times

The discovery of classified government documents in President Biden’s Wilmington, Del., garage should spell the end of any realistic prospect of criminal charges against former president Donald Trump over his Mar-a-Lago portfolio of pilferage.

From Washington Post

The extra-income opportunities for young Providence waterfront worker Danny and his Dogtown-neighborhood Irish American family and pals are limited to dockside pilferage, which is not nearly as lucrative as gambling, truck hijacking, loan-sharking, protection and strip clubs, over which the Italian mob has a monopoly.

From Washington Post

Konchalski criticized “the rampant pilferage of talent” as “craven” before wishing subscribers continued success.

From New York Times